Georgia Shakespeare, a professional theater in residence at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven, will present its interpretation of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” through Aug. 4.

Performances are Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $13 to $45, with Cabaret Night [July 28] tickets at $10.

Directed by Richard Garner, one of the founders of the theater company, “Much Ado About Nothing” takes a romantic look at a love story with some built in humor and intense moments.

“We’re really trying to go for the passion in the piece,” said Garner. “It’s world where love is really important so hopefully that will come through and it’s this thing that makes life full.”

The cast features 18 members, including DeKalb resident Chris Kayser who plays Dogberry in the production. This is Kayser’s third time in “Much Ado…” but his first time playing this character.

“This time I’m playing Dogberry, a silly comic constable and it’s a great chance to do a comic role in Shakespeare so it’s great,” said Kayser.

Having worked with Georgia Shakespeare for many years – being featured in more than 60 productions – Kayser, who never had any formal training, said the feel of togetherness is what has kept him with the company for so long.

“There is a great sense of community and getting to know people while you’re being challenged and we think that enriches the work,” said Kayser. “And you’re butting your head against some of the most beautiful and difficult plays on earth and that makes you better.”

On the importance of live theater, Garner said there is a full circle of energy in the room that encompasses not just the actors, but the audience as well.

“It’s that connective energy that just feeds the performance on stage,” he said. “So it’s that live energy of being together in a room. I tend to think we learn about our shared humanity when being with other people in a room – when someone laughs or gasps at something.”

With this production, Garner said when the audience sits down no matter how many times they have seen the play, or if this is their first time, he wants them to meet a set of characters, see the circumstances, follow them to the end and cheer for them.

Georgia Shakespeare, is a classics company and besides Shakespeare plays, also puts on productions of American classics and certain British plays that all play with language to a certain degree. For the summer season, the company puts on three main stage performances and then a family show during the day.

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